History of Indian and Central Asian Art
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims at providing students with a general knowledge of the evolution of South Asian art from the origins to the age of the Great Mughals.
Expected learning outcomes
Mastery of the fundamental methods of approach to South Asian art; accurate knowledge of discussed monuments and works of art, with special attention to dating, geographical location in the Indian Subcontinent and reigning dynasty, to be shown through the identification of images; understanding of the ideologies and aims expressed by artistic phases and single works of art; use of an appropriate terminology; correct pronunciation of proper names and technical terms. Ability to apply the acquired knowledge to related works of art, which have not been directly studied; to enlarge knowledge through a specific bibliographical research, critical towards sources.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The main topics discussed in the course are, in the following order, and in the frame of the political and cultural history of South Asia: remnants of the Indus Valley; Maurya art; the first Buddhist monuments and the beginnings of the iconography of the Buddha at Mathura and in Gandhara; general traits of Hindu and Jaina temple art and iconography, from the Guptas to the main medieval dynasties; an introduction to Hindu-Islamic architecture: the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal capitals; and outlines of Mughal painting and art of the book.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites for admission.
Teaching methods
The course consists of taught classes. The professor will regularly use PowerPoint slideshows, which will gradually be uploaded to the dedicated page of MyAriel. Attendance is not mandatory, but is highly recommended for a correct approach to the subject, and in order to better identify the basic concepts and notions.
For study guidelines, news, and other initiatives, students should regularly refer to the MyAriel page of the course and the website of the Indological courses of our University (https://sites.unimi.it/india/). Here, moreover, starting from the page "links", a number of websites of photo archives and online catalogues of important Museums are listed, which can be useful to enrich the study. A small photo archive is available in this website itself ("arte dell'India: immagini").
For study guidelines, news, and other initiatives, students should regularly refer to the MyAriel page of the course and the website of the Indological courses of our University (https://sites.unimi.it/india/). Here, moreover, starting from the page "links", a number of websites of photo archives and online catalogues of important Museums are listed, which can be useful to enrich the study. A small photo archive is available in this website itself ("arte dell'India: immagini").
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
6 ECTS (40 hours):
Cinzia Pieruccini, L'arte dell'India. I. Dalle origini ai grandi templi medievali, Torino, Einaudi, 2020.
One or two supplementary readings on a specific topic will be uploaded to the dedicated MyAriel page at the beginning of the course.
9 ECTS, in addition (further 20 hours):
Cinzia Pieruccini, L'arte dell'India. II. Dagli esordi indo-islamici all'indipendenza, Torino, Einaudi, 2020 (from beginning to page 41; from page 59 to page 119; "Opere" 1-5, 8-25).
Non-attending students:
The bibliography is identical for both attending and non-attending students. However, for a better understanding of the subjects, non-attending students are advised to consult the relevant entries of the following books, also very rich in illustrations of works of art: Nicoletta Celli, Buddhismo, Dizionari delle Religioni, Milano, Mondadori Electa, 2006; Giuliano Boccali, Cinzia Pieruccini, Induismo, Dizionari delle Religioni, Milano, Mondadori Electa, 2008 and further reprint; Ciro Lo Muzio, Marco Ferrandi, India, Dizionari delle Civiltà, Milano, Mondadori Electa, 2008. Anyhow, for a correct and effective approach to the subject, and to better identify on which topics and notions to focus the study, attendance is strongly recommended.
6 ECTS (40 hours):
Cinzia Pieruccini, L'arte dell'India. I. Dalle origini ai grandi templi medievali, Torino, Einaudi, 2020.
One or two supplementary readings on a specific topic will be uploaded to the dedicated MyAriel page at the beginning of the course.
9 ECTS, in addition (further 20 hours):
Cinzia Pieruccini, L'arte dell'India. II. Dagli esordi indo-islamici all'indipendenza, Torino, Einaudi, 2020 (from beginning to page 41; from page 59 to page 119; "Opere" 1-5, 8-25).
Non-attending students:
The bibliography is identical for both attending and non-attending students. However, for a better understanding of the subjects, non-attending students are advised to consult the relevant entries of the following books, also very rich in illustrations of works of art: Nicoletta Celli, Buddhismo, Dizionari delle Religioni, Milano, Mondadori Electa, 2006; Giuliano Boccali, Cinzia Pieruccini, Induismo, Dizionari delle Religioni, Milano, Mondadori Electa, 2008 and further reprint; Ciro Lo Muzio, Marco Ferrandi, India, Dizionari delle Civiltà, Milano, Mondadori Electa, 2008. Anyhow, for a correct and effective approach to the subject, and to better identify on which topics and notions to focus the study, attendance is strongly recommended.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is oral and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Broadly, it consists of one or two questions on each of these areas, based on the images in the textbooks: protohistoric period, and early Buddhist art; Hindu and Jain art (first 40 hours); Indo-Islamic art (further 20 hours). The student is shown an image, and is asked, in this order: to identify the work, its period and dynasty of reference, and the place where it was made (exact site, and current Indian State or extra-Indian Country); to illustrate its typology, significance and destination; then to describe, specifically, its salient details. Overall, the assessment, on a scale of 30 (minimum passing grade 18), will take into account the use of appropriate language, the accuracy in terminology and main proper names, and the capacity to effectively synthesise the data.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Also students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Also students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
L-OR/16 - INDIAN AND CENTRAL ASIAN ARCHAEOLOGY AND ART HISTORY - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Pieruccini Cinzia Daniela
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Sheet to register in the 'Contents' of the MyAriel pages of Indology and History of Indian and Central Asian Art
Professor's office, Festa del Perdono 7